Baked Meatball and Spaghetti: A Classic Oven-Baked Comfort Dish
Baked meatball and spaghetti is the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table with eager anticipation. It combines hearty pasta, tender meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and layers of melted cheese for an irresistibly cozy meal. Whether you’re hosting a casual family dinner or looking for a crowd-pleasing dish to bring to a gathering, this recipe has all the ingredients of a satisfying classic—with the added bonus of being baked for a bubbly, golden finish.
Let’s walk through the full recipe, starting with what you’ll need.
Ingredients
For this version, we’re using pre-cooked homemade meatballs. You can absolutely substitute frozen or store-bought meatballs if you’re pressed for time. Here’s everything that goes into this comforting bake:
- About 1½ dozen homemade meatballs (fully cooked)
- 24 oz jar of marinara sauce (San Marzano-style sauce is recommended for flavor)
- ½ yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, crushed or finely minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¾ pound spaghetti noodles
- 1–2 cups grated cheese (a mix of Colby-Jack and mozzarella recommended)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings and can be prepped ahead of time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the oven and prep the baking dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish (9×13 inches is ideal) with a drizzle of olive oil or a non-stick spray. This will help prevent the pasta from sticking and allow for easier cleanup later.
2. Cook the spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti noodles and cook until just shy of al dente—about one to two minutes less than the package directions. The pasta will continue cooking in the oven, so slightly undercooking it now will keep it from turning mushy during baking.
Drain the pasta and toss it with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside while preparing the sauce.
3. Sauté aromatics for the sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add the crushed garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
Stir in the Italian seasoning and cook for an additional 30 seconds to bring out the flavor of the herbs. Then, pour in the marinara sauce. Stir to combine and simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
4. Add the meatballs to the sauce
If using pre-cooked homemade meatballs, gently nestle them into the sauce. Simmer for another 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the meatballs to warm through and absorb the flavors of the sauce. If using frozen meatballs, you may want to increase the simmering time and keep the heat low to avoid breaking them apart.
5. Assemble the casserole
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet or combine everything in a large mixing bowl. Toss to evenly coat the noodles in the sauce and distribute the meatballs throughout.
Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spoon or spatula to spread the contents evenly across the dish, making sure meatballs are not all crowded in one corner.
6. Add cheese layers
Sprinkle your grated cheese blend (mozzarella and Colby-Jack) evenly over the top of the spaghetti and meatballs. Follow with a generous dusting of Parmesan cheese.
The combination of cheeses gives you a nice balance of gooey melt and savory sharpness. You can increase or decrease the amount of cheese depending on how rich and bubbly you want the finished casserole.
7. Bake to perfection
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly golden on top.
If you prefer a more browned, crispy top layer, broil the casserole on high for an additional 1–2 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
8. Let it rest and serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to settle and the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to scoop and serve clean portions.
Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired, and serve with garlic bread or a simple green salad.
Tips and Variations
- Use Different Cheeses: While mozzarella is classic for its melty texture, you can also use provolone, fontina, or gouda for a different flavor twist.
- Add Vegetables: Want to sneak in more veggies? Sauté chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach with the onion and garlic before adding the sauce.
- Make It Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a diced chili pepper to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Try Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta: This dish adapts well to dietary preferences. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as alternative pastas can behave differently.
- Homemade Meatballs Option: If you want to make your own meatballs from scratch, mix 1 pound of ground beef with ½ cup breadcrumbs, 1 egg, 2 cloves minced garlic, ¼ cup grated Parmesan, 1 tablespoon chopped parsley, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Form into balls and bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes, or until fully cooked.
Storage and Make-Ahead Notes
This baked spaghetti casserole is great for meal prep and reheats beautifully.
- To store leftovers: Allow the casserole to cool completely. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- To reheat: Microwave individual portions or reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
- To freeze: Assemble the casserole in a foil baking dish (without baking). Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, covered with foil, for 45 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 15–20 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is filling and satisfying on its own, but pairs beautifully with:
- Garlic knots or cheesy breadsticks
- Roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli
- A fresh green salad with balsamic vinaigrette
- A glass of red wine like Chianti or Merlot
Why We Love This Recipe
There’s something incredibly comforting about a baked pasta dish. The crispy, cheesy top gives way to a saucy, hearty middle loaded with meatballs and noodles. It’s nostalgic, affordable, and endlessly adaptable. The fact that it can be made ahead, stored, and enjoyed over several days makes it a weeknight dinner champion.
Plus, it’s family-friendly. Kids love the cheesy layers and flavorful meatballs, while adults appreciate the rich tomato sauce and satisfying texture. It’s a meal that checks all the boxes.
Final Thoughts
Baked meatball and spaghetti casserole is a timeless classic that belongs in every home cook’s rotation. It’s a dish that can feed a crowd, warm the soul, and bring a sense of togetherness to any table. Whether you’re making it from scratch with homemade meatballs and sauce or leaning on pantry staples for a quicker version, it never fails to impress.
Make it once, and it just might become a regular favorite.